Can You Get A Tourist Visa For Saudi Arabia

As a westerner, you might think you need a work visa or an invitation from a sponsor to get into Saudi Arabia. This is not the case for tourists. Yes, you can get into Saudi Arabia without anything more than your passport. But should you travel there on a tourist visa? There are pros and cons to traveling to Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa if you decide you want to visit this country at some point in your life. Let’s go over those advantages and disadvantages now.

Can You Get A Tourist Visa For Saudi Arabia

If you are a Saudi Arabian, then you can visit most countries without a visa. If you are not a Saudi Arabian but have a job offer in Saudi Arabia, you may be able to get a work permit allowing you to enter the country.

I am writing to apply for tourist visa for my daughter Tina. I work with the US embassy and would like her to visit me while working in Saudi Arabia. It is a family matter since she has left the country at a very young age.

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Saudi tourist visa

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from all over the world with its evisa program since September, 2019. Visitors can acquire a multiple-entry visa valid for a year that will allow them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa is relevant to tourism-related activities and Umrah (excluding Hajj season) and excludes other activities such as studying.

The visa system is a historic milestone in opening Saudi Arabia to tourism. International visitors can discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people: our rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breath-taking landscapes, from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea and the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.

Visa eligibility

Tourists from the 49 eligible countries can apply for a tourist visa online through the quick and easy-to-use eVisa platform before traveling, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through the visa offices of the Immigration Department.

Tourists from other countries must apply for a consulate visa at the Kingdom’s representations abroad. US, UK and Schengen business or tourist visa holders can apply for a visa on arrival.

Fees and Validity

The cost for the tourist eVisa is SAR 535 SAR. The visa cost includes a fee for full health insurance during your stay in the Kingdom.
The cost for the tourist visa on arrival is SAR 480 SAR.
The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 90 days.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 30 days.
For eVisa and visa on arrival, payment must be made in Saudi Riyals using an international credit or debit card.

Application information (Group A)

E-visa and visa on arrival

Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to act as their guardian.
When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia.*
Refund in case of rejection is not possible. Visa fees are non-refundable
Overstay fees: SAR100 for each day of overstay when the visa expires without leaving Saudi Arabia.
Religion of applicant is not relevant.
Countries with bilateral agreements can apply for the visit visa through e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, or through the consulate visa (USA, UK, South Korea and Japan).
Documents not required to obtain a visa:
Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
Visa eligibility pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.

* For citizens of the USA, they can apply for the eVisa regardless of the validity of the passport as long as it is still valid.

Application information (Group B)

Consulate Visa

Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian.
When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia.
Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable.
Overstay fees: SAR 100 for each day of overstay.
Religion of applicant is not relevant.
Sponsor is not required for the visa application.
Documents required include:
– Proof of accommodation;
– Return ticket;
– Proof of employment;
– Financial solvency/Bank statement;
– Flight itinerary;
– Complete personal information; home address.
Time taken to issue an Visa is 1-2 business days in most cases.
Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.